Lamar Jackson Named Heisman Trophy Finalist

For the second consecutive season Louisville’s Lamar Jackson has been named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Jackson along with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and Stanford running back Bryce Love were named the three finalists for the 2017 Heisman trophy on Monday night during ESPN’S Monday Night Countdown.

“I’m so proud of Lamar for what he’s accomplished on the field and off,” head coach Bobby Petrino said in an official statement from the University of Louisville.

“To have an opportunity to become only the second player in the history of college football to win this prestigious award twice speaks to talent and drive Lamar has to be one of the game’s greatest players of all time. He’s the ultimate competitor and winner, and is one of the greatest young men I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach. He comes to the facility every day with a smile on his face and works extremely hard to get better each and every day. He’s a very special player, and I’m not sure we will ever see a player with his type of talent ever again.”

Jackson won the trophy in 2016 and is looking to become just the second repeat winner in the history of the award.

Louisville hasn’t had the season that most expected, but Jackson has more than done his part. The Florida native leads the nation in total offense with 4,932 yards and is on pace to set ACC season and career records for total yards per game.

The 83rd Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday during a ceremony that will be televised by ESPN starting at 8 p.m.

Nick Coffey is the creator and lead publisher for TheCardinalConnect.com. Along with covering Louisville basketball, football and recruiting, Nick also hosts The Red Zone weekdays from noon – 3:00 PM on Cards Radio 790 KRD.